"Well, I just attended my first slow pitch session. Boy, that's a lot of fun. I usually play folk music, but I think bluegrass offers a good alternative. You don't even have to know much to start, which suits me just fine, and the ones that do know how to play have the opportunity to do so. I can't wait until the next session." ... "Sue is a great instructor and a wonderful person besides." ... "They're geniuses. What a wonderful way of teaching people how to play music." ... "The Slow Pitch Jam was fantastic - the most fun for me came when Sue took the effort to let us know which chords to play and when." ... "The Slow Pitch Jam was a great idea - I never would have played with others without this kind of structured jam." ... "Great for beginners. Also, it’s a mixer, socially." ... "A vital part of the program." ... "Sue was very structured & patient." ..."The slow pitch jam was a godsend and kept me from feeling I was too far behind. I loved it!" ..."It proved that I AM capable of making a reasonable sound when other players are nearby. Sue takes the terror out of playing along with the group."
A Recent Endorsement
Montana Rockies Bluegrass Association President Phyllis Erck recounts her initial jamming challenges. ”I’ll never forget the frustration and humiliation I felt when first learning to jam with others. One time I remember watching the tears dropping onto the cover plate of my dobro as I attempted to take a break (solo) but was paralyzed with fear the instant it came around to my turn.”
Slow Pitch Jam to the Rescue!
I had my first great jam experience at the Sorrento Bluegrass Workshop in British Columbia. Workshop organizer Sue Malcolm years ago recognized that there are lots of people like me who really want to play bluegrass, but don’t have enough experience to jump into a hot jam. Her solution was to create the Slow Pitch Jam. From Sue’s website: “Slow Pitch Jam is a unique opportunity for beginners to learn the basics of jamming. A structured setting, patient and knowledgeable leaders and safety in numbers is a perfect way for beginners to experience the sheer joy of making music in a group.”
After a few hours of slow pitch jamming, I learned that a bluegrass jam does indeed have a language and rules!
While they can seem rigid at first glance, this common bluegrass language and ”jam etiquette” allows bluegrass musicians to jam with folks from all over the world, even if they’ve never met before. That night I made connections with friendly musicians, and off we went to start our own little jam. I had a blast.
Since then I’ve returned to Sorrento several times. This summer I took a class with Jeremy Freeman from Surrey BC. He plays killer Bill Monroe style mandolin and says. ”It would’ve taken me years to learn what a few slow pitch jam sessions taught me. The slow pitch jams started me playing bluegrass and showed me a whole world of music being played.”
My Sorrento campground neighbor, bass player and vocalist Kathy Ferguson from Parsons, BC says “Slow pitch jams are so good for learning repertoire and etiquette and get you well prepared for jumping into those late night cross-border encounters of the good kind.”
You can read the whole article (posted January 02/12) HERE.
Songbook & Play-Along CD Volume 4 Available Now!
The long-awaited Volume 4 was released on December 5th, 2011. In honour of Bill Monroe's 100th birthday, it features songs written by or closely associated with the Father of Bluegrass Music. Scroll down to PRE-ORDER NOW.
People have been asking for materials that they can use at home and with friends, to learn bluegrass songs and practice playing along. This is a fantastic resource for beginning/intermediate players of ALL bluegrass instruments. It has become so popular as a learning resource that bluegrass clubs in BC, Alberta and Washington State are using it as the basis for their weekly jams. You can learn to play by ear, in any key with the Nashville Number System.
Volume 4 features Sue Malcolm on vocals & rhythm guitar and Garry Stevenson on lead guitar & mandolin.
How to Get Your Very Own Book/CD
The cost of this valuable resource is $20.00 Canadian plus $3.00 Canadian for shipping & handling. You can order right on this page through PayPal, using your account with them, or any major credit card. There is also a special price for ordering all four volumes. Scroll down.
In the Vancouver area, there are two retail outlets for your shopping convenience. Their prices may vary.
♦ On the West side: Rufus' Guitar Shop, 2621 Alma Street (at 10th). Info: 604-222-1717 or www.rufusguitarshop.com
♦ On the East side: visit Bone Rattle Music at 2012 Commercial Drive (at 4th). Info: 604-251-2663 or www.bonerattle.com.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@slowpitchjam.com.
Volumes 1, 2 & 3 Are Still Available
The first two Slow Pitch Jam Songbooks each contain thirteen bluegrass standards, chording information, instructions on the Nashville Numbering System and jamming etiquette. All the songs are sung ad played in a slow, learnable style. There's also verbal introductions with chording tips and a track on tuning your instrument. It's all you need to get started in the fun world of jamming, bluegrass style. It's kind of like having Sue come right into your living room and guide you gently through every one of these easy three-chord songs. Bob Underhill is also featured, singing and playing guitar and mandolin.
Volume Three has ten classic bluegrass songs played in slow time, with 2 versions of each song; with and without lead instruments. Musicians featured on the CD are: Sue Malcolm on rhythm guitar and vocals; Garry Stevenson on lead guitar and mandolin; Tyler Carson on fiddle; Jay Buckwold on banjo; Paul Bergman on upright bass; Don Fraser on dobro; Dale Rasmussen on harmony vocals.
Prices are $20 each, and $3 each for shipping & handling.
